Harang Throws Great Game for Reds
Aaron Harang had the right stuff against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers and helped the team win the game. Harang allowed only 1 run in 10 innings in a game that ultimately went 12 innings.
Harang had just returned to the team after attending his grandfather’s funeral. The Reds ended up beating the Brewers 2 - 1 off of a single by catcher Javier Valentin.
“He wanted to win that game so bad,” said Valentin.
Harang came back because he said he thought his pitching would be a fitting tribute to his grandfather. At the beginning of the season he stayed behind in San Diego to spend time with his ailing grandfather.
“I know he’s out there with me,” said Harang. “He was a baseball fan. He wouldn’t have wanted me to miss a start. When we were out there and I stayed an extra day, he was mad because he thought I might miss a start.”
Valentin hit a bases-loaded single off of Grant Balfour to win the closely fought game. Balfour had walked Jeff Conine and Pedro Lopez. Then he threw to third base too late to try after David Ross bunted.
“He just needs to find a way to throw more strikes,” said Brewers’ manager Ned Yost. “I told him, ‘You’ve worked hard for two years. This is your game to win or lose right here. Bang some strikes and get your first win in two years.’”
Date: July 24, 2007
Article: Harang allows 1 run in 10 innings; Reds top Brewers in 12
Reference: ESPN
Reference: Cincinnati Reds